Kirk, Jerry, Pam, and Sally. These were the people…er, meats…um, fake people meats you could order at The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 50th Anniversary BBQ food truck, located at the SDCC Petco Park Interactive Zone. Yes, it’s been 50 years since Tobe Hooper unleashed upon the world his shockingly controversial movie The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, about a family of psychotic cannibals that featured the one and only Leatherface (originally played by Gunnar Hansen).
A BBQ was the perfect way to convince those at Comic Con to carve up some time in their busy schedules for a stop at the cannibalistic food truck (with food services provided by San Diego-based Up In Smoke). Lifelong fans of the franchise could immediately notice that the names on the meat selection belong to the main cast of victims from the film. Kirk was brisket, Jerry was pork, Pam was chicken, and Sally was impossible vegan meatballs (which makes sense given she’s the story’s final girl, the one that survives).
Those who said “well, they forgot about one of the original characters, Sally’s paraplegic brother Franklin,” fear not. He was a ¼ lb. all-beef hotdog you could pair with two of the other meats for a few extra bucks. Trust that Leatherface would never leave anyone out from his cookouts.
Entrée options included dishes with names such as “Slaughterhouse Sammies” and “Leatherface’s Stack-o-Meat,” which came either in rolls, sliders, mixed greens, or house seasoned potato chips. Prices were fair and portions plentiful. It just wouldn’t sit right if the chainsaw-wielding butcher ended up measuring portions to cheat people out of their carefully budgeted comic con cash.
The plates were big and messy, with meats dropped on top of salads and chips with BBQ sauce splattered all over. I had the “Leatherface’s Stack-o-Meat” with Kirk, Jerry, and Pam over potato chips, shredded cheddar, salsa, black beans, and homemade cilantro lime dressing.
I’m going to be honest here, I don’t see Leatheface making cilantro sauce or adding black beans to anything. He seems like a mashed potatoes and meat kind of guy. Going for simplicity to not detract from the natural flavors and juices of the meat. That said, it was a very fulfilling meal that got me through a long day at the con without much need for another major food outing.
Leatherface himself was at the food truck, eager for selfies with those who proved to be as depraved as he is by ordering from his joint. As far as celebrating horror franchises go, this one was one of the most clever I’ve seen in a while. It was made more special due to one very meaningful detail: a gentle request for recognition.
While on the line, you could scan a QR code next to the truck that opened a link to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry site so you could nominate The Texas Chainsaw Massacre to be included in the next batch of inductees. Anyone can access the site and nominate up to 50 films they think deserve a spot. The National Film Registry compiles a yearly list of 25 movies that are considered important enough to be preserved due to their contributions to the medium. Past winners include Back to the Future, Home Alone, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Clerks, Shrek, Carrie, and Iron Man.
It showed great appreciation for the film and it made sure the idea didn’t feel like an empty cash grab. That done, you could then go find a seat under a shade to enjoy your people meat dish. As far as comic convention activities go, you couldn’t ask for more. Even you wanted to ask for more or voice a complaint, you really shouldn’t have. Leatherface looked more than eager to add difficult people to the menu.
Stay tuned for more SDCC ’24 coverage from The Beat.
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